The network expressed its worry about a situation in which the other powers in the state continue to interfere with the work of the Polish judicial system. This, the network finds, could threaten the independence of both the Polish Supreme Court as well as its entire judiciary.

“Co-operation in the field of justice is largely based on mutual trust in the administration of justice within the European Union. The Network of Presidents therefore expresses its concern that the interferences by the Polish authorities will not only have the effect of undermining the rule of law, but also mutual trust in the administration of justice,” the statement read.

The Polish constitution and how it is enforced has been a subject of concern since the Law and Justice Party’s rise to power in 2015. The party has taken steps that are widely seen as anti-democratic, and one of the accusations against it is that it has been trying to bring the country’s supreme court under its control.

The Network of Presidents is an organisation comprising the presidents of the supreme courts of the member states of the EU. It meets to discuss matters of common interest and concern, exchange ideas and information, and it also provides a forum through which European institutions may request the opinions of the supreme courts. Its chairman since Jan. 1 this year as been Chief Justice of the Estonian Supreme Court, Priit Pikamäe.

The next meeting is set for today Friday in Tallinn.